Microfinance

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Everyone starts out small

Micro firms employ fewer than 10 people, make less than EUR 2 million a year or have up to EUR 2 million on their balance sheet. These micro firms should, however, never be underestimated – everyone starts out small.

Yet the smallest players on the field are often the ones in need of the most help in finding financing. This is why the European Investment Bank Group pays specific attention to them, in particular, to people who have lost their job, are at risk of losing their job, are facing difficulties entering or re-entering the labour market, are threatened by social exclusion or are otherwise in a disadvantaged position in the conventional credit market.

Here’s how it works

The EIB Group has a long-lasting record in microfinance through the activities of the EIB, the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the EIB Institute. We support microfinance institutions, fund managers and other industry players to promote sustainable and responsible financial services for small businesses and low-income self-employed entrepreneurs.

The EIB group is committed to microfinance operations that demonstrate enhanced social and environmental policies, impact and added value.

Operations can be financed using the EIB’s own resources or under the European Union’s mandates. This can be done through financial and non-financial instruments or a combination of the two.

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Microfinance by the numbers

The EU bank started its microfinance operations in 1992. It provides loans, equity, guarantees and technical assistance to a broad range of financial intermediaries, from small non-bank financial institutions to well-established microfinance banks.

1.3

EUR BILLION
TOTAL INVESTED AMOUNT

1

EUR BILLION
EIB’S ACTIVE MICROFINANCE PORTFOLIO

9.4

EUR MILLION
EIB’S AVERAGE OPERATION AMOUNT TO MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS